solvent and dispersion adhesives

Solvent and dispersion adhesives: Properties and Applications

Solvent and dispersion adhesives are two different types of adhesives with their own unique properties and applications in different industries. Detailed information about them is provided below.

Solvent based adhesives

Characteristics:

    Composition: Contain adhesives dissolved in organic solvents to produce a liquid consistency.
    Mechanism of action: When applied to a surface, the solvent evaporates and the adhesive thickens to form a permanent bond. They often partially dissolve the material being bonded, increasing the bond strength.
    Drying time: Usually dries quickly, allowing work to continue in a short time.

Applications:

    Construction: Used to bond building components such as bricks, plasterboard and various synthetic materials.
    Furniture industry: Used to bond wood and wood-based materials, providing aesthetically pleasing and strong joints.
    Textile and rubber industry: Ideal for bonding fabrics and rubber materials, providing flexible and durable joints.
    Packaging production: Used in the production of labels and signs and for bonding various plastics.

Dispersion Adhesives

Characteristics:

    Composition: Based on aqueous polymer emulsions. They contain polymer particles suspended in water as a carrier medium.
    Mode of action: Curing occurs by evaporation of water, resulting in a strong bond when dry.
    Environmental friendliness: They typically emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than solvent-based adhesives.

Applications:

    Construction industry: Used to bond building materials such as plaster or plasterboard.
    Furniture industry: Used to bond wood components and composites.
    Home and craft applications: Ideal for DIY projects and home repairs.

Key differences

    Chemical composition:
        Solvent adhesives contain organic solvents, while dispersion adhesives use water as a carrier.
    Curing mechanism:
        Solvent adhesives cure by evaporation of the solvent, while dispersion adhesives cure by evaporation of water.
    Environmental friendliness:
        Dispersion adhesives are generally more environmentally friendly due to lower VOC emissions.
    Application:
        Solvent-based adhesives are more versatile for bonding difficult materials (e.g. rubber, plastics), while dispersion adhesives are preferred for applications requiring lower toxicity and easier application.

Solvent and dispersion adhesives offer different properties and benefits depending on the specific requirements of the application. Choosing the right type of adhesive should be tailored to the type of material and the conditions in which it will be used.